Overall, is the risk of cosmetic surgery higher than it is for other types of surgery that are not elective?

No: Surgical risk is due to a combination of factors. The health and risk factors of the patient are the primary determinants of the risk of surgery. Surgery performed by a qualified plastic surgeon on a healthy patient is not more dangerous than any other surgery.

Risks are different: The risksmofmelective surgery are generally lower when it comes to infection and bleeding because the timing and health can be optimized prior to undergoing surgery unlike energency surgery where active bleeding, infection or blood thinning medications cannot always be controlled. Having said that, there are no reasons to undergo surgery, so any complication, even small, is considered a risk.

No: The risks of cosmetic surgery have to do with the patient' level of health and other medical conditions they have, the type of anesthesia, and the nature of the procedure itself. Most cosmetic procedures, when performed by a properly trained plastic surgeon in a certified operating room, are very safe.

Actually, less risky: Let's assume you're talking about surgery by an abps-certified plastic surgeon (also asaps member) with lots of experience in the area for which you are contemplating surgery. Healthy motivated patients requesting surgery are much more likely to have a good outcome than many emergency or non-elective surgeries on sick or injured patients. Still need a pre-op physical to ensure safe anesthesia.